The second game proved that Don Shula's use of a three-man alternating backfield could work. It also had Houston Oilers coach Bill Peterson scratching his head. "I don't think it's fair for a team to use 12 guys on offense," Peterson said. Larry Csonka, Mercury Morris and Jim Kiick combined for 228 of the team's 247 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the Dolphins' home opener. The trio's performance helped set a team record of 17 rushing first downs. Bob Griese added a rushing touchdown of 2 yards and a 6-yard scoring pass to Kiick to complete the scoring.